In analyzing a text's structure, which pattern uses a problem followed by a solution?

• A. Chronological order
• B. Cause-effect
• C. Compare-contrast
• D. Problem-solution

Answer: (D)

Recognizing a problem-and-solution structure in a text helps you see how the writer organizes information to persuade or guide action. In this pattern, the text first introduces a problem or need and then presents one or more solutions, explaining how the solution addresses the issue and often noting expected outcomes or trade-offs. This setup is common when discussing how to fix an issue, implement a policy, or propose changes. If you encounter a section that opens with a description of a problem and immediately follows with a proposed remedy and an explanation of how it would work, you’re looking at this structure. This differs from chronological order, which moves through events in time; cause-effect, which explains why something happened and what followed; and compare-contrast, which highlights similarities and differences between items.